The Welsh Springer SpanielThe Welsh Springer Spaniel, or Welshies as they can be known, are the redhead of the Spaniel world. They are a little known breed that looks very similar to the English Springer Spaniel, and are often mistaken for the latter. There is also another school of thought that claims that the Welsh Springer is bred from the Brittany Springer Spaniel which explains why these two breeds are often mistaken for each other.
Despite all this, Welshies are workers with great stamina and strength and tend to be less hyperactive than the
English Springer Spaniel.
AppearanceThe Welsh Springer Spaniel is a medium sized compact dog with the most beautiful red coat that still needs regular grooming. They are smaller than the working line of the English Springer Spaniel but they are harder to find as this breed has only been around for just over 100 years.With a slighter build than other Springer breeds, and angled instead of rounded, ears this version of the breed was finally recognized in 1902 as a separate and distinct breed from the English Springer. Since then this line has been bred away from its English cousins. They are great sniffers, being able to sniff out the smallest scrap of food from 50 paces, and have one hell of a determined streak when trying to get hold of it, a bit like a beagle in that respect. TemperamentLess crazy than the English Springer Spaniel the Welsh Springer Spaniel is known for their gentle personality and utter devotion to their families, making Welsh Springer Spaniels excellent family pets.
They are not as outgoing as the English Springer Spaniel and can be somewhat reserved with strangers, however they don't show signs of timidity, shyness or aggression. Their soft and reserved nature means that they need a good program of
socialisation on a regular basis
to build their confidence in new situations. Welsh Springers that do not have strong pack leaders in the home can become overprotective, so it is essential that owners simulate a
pack psychology within their home.
Welshies are exceptionally nosy and always need to know what is going on, they will find any window as their observational post so they don't miss out. If you want a dog that will be utterly devoted to you and your family the Welsh Springer Spaniel may be right for you. Return to love springer spaniels homepage
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